Ah-Counter

Helping members off their crutches

The purpose of the Ah-Counter is to note any word or sound used as a crutch by anyone
who speaks during the meeting. Words may be inappropriate interjections, such as and,
well, but, so and you know. Sounds may be ah, um or er. You should also note when a
speaker repeats a word or phrase such as I, I or This means, this means. These
words and sounds can be annoying to listeners. The Ah-Counter role is an excellent
opportunity to practice your listening skills.
Several days before the meeting, use the information in A Toastmaster Wears Many
Hats or in the appendix of the Competent Communication manual to prepare a brief
explanation of the duties of the Ah-Counter for the benefit of guests.
When you arrive at the meeting, bring a pen and blank piece of paper for notes, or locate
a blank copy of the Ah-Counters log, if your club has one, from the sergeant at arms.
The president will call the meeting to order and introduce the Toastmaster who will, in
turn, introduce you and the other meeting participants. When youre introduced, explain
the role of the Ah-Counter. Some clubs levy small fines on members who do or do not do
certain things. (For example, members are fined who use filler words or are not wearing
their Toastmasters pin to the meeting. A fine is usually about five cents, acting more as a
friendly reminder than a punishment.) If your club levies fines, explain the fine schedule.
Throughout the meeting, listen to everyone for sounds and long pauses used as fillers
and not as a necessary part of sentence structure. Write down how many filler sounds or
words each person used during all portions of the meeting.
When youre called on by the general evaluator during the evaluation segment, stand by
your chair and give your report.
After the meeting is adjourned, give your completed report to the treasurer for collection
of fines if this tradition applies to your club.